Pseudomonas update Monday 23 January

To date, six babies have been confirmed to have been infected with Pseudomonas in the outbreak at the neonatal intensive care unit in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJMH). Today, a further baby within the unit is also being treated as potentially infected.Although laboratory results have yet to be confirmed, doctors have a high index of suspicion and are treating the baby on clinical grounds. The total number of babies who have the Pseudomonas bacteria on their skin is now six. It is not causing active infection in these babies. The babies continue to receive the neonatal care they require. As a precautionary measure, babies' skin may be screened again as the situation requires to see if they are carrying the bacteria. All necessary precautions are being taken to avoid spread of infection. Health Minister Edwin Poots will make a full statement to the Assembly tomorrow (TUESDAY) on the outbreak in the neonatal intensive unit of the RJMH.

 Bio-decontamination of the intensive care part of the neonatal unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital was completed over the weekend. The affected area in the unit at the hospital will remain closed until such times that it is absolutely certain that it's a safe environment in which to manage premature babies.

 All other maternity services and wards in the Royal Jubilee Hospital are fully operational and working as normal. Expectant mothers should attend their appointments as scheduled.

 Since the last update, the neonatal network continues to manage well and no mothers or babies have had to transfer outside of Northern Ireland.

 Neonatal care in NI is provided within a network across the five trusts and all the organisations involved are co-operating fully on a daily basis to ensure that specialist neonatal care remains available for all infants who require this level of support.

 In line with well established practice, some mothers due to give birth or babies who require special neonatal care, may be transferred to another unit. This will be on the basis of specialist, clinical advice to ensure babies receive the most appropriate care.

 Providing infants with a high level of care and supporting concerned any parents remains a key priority.